About Saint Rose

Where is Saint Rose?The College of Saint Rose is located in an urban residential neighborhood at the heart of Albany, the capital city of New York State. Located on the Hudson River, Albany is the state’s major political and cultural center. There are over 300,000 people in Albany County with nearly 60,000 people attending college or university in the Capital Region.

What is it like to live in Albany, NY?The Saint Rose campus is located in the center of the city, with immediate access to world-class museums, theaters, galleries, shopping centers, and restaurants. The College of Saint Rose is a prominent organization in the community, which offers our students many professional and educational opportunities. The Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau provides more information on what is happening in our region.There’s always something to do in Albany. There are numerous shops, coffee houses, concerts and festivals to attend. Albany is minutes from hiking trails, skiing and camp grounds and just a few hours from New York City, Boston and Montreal.

Is Saint Rose a religious school? No. Saint Rose has been an independent College since 1970. We welcome and encourage students from all religious and cultural backgrounds. However, Saint Rose was founded in 1920 as a Roman Catholic college for women by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet. The founders of Saint Rose believed that spirituality was an essential part of an educational experience rooted in faith, compassion, and community service.Are there other international students at Saint Rose?Yes. Saint Rose currently enrolls students from more than 25 different countries, including Canada, China, Egypt, El Salvador, England, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Kenya, Pakistan, Peru, Russia, Sweden, Thailand and Tanzania, to name a few. International students play an important role in our community and in our efforts to raise multicultural awareness. The Center for International Programs helps international students with visas, as well as organizes many fun social activities. Visit their website for more information.

Are there cultural communities near Saint Rose? Yes. There are many cultural communities in the Saint Rose neighborhood. Within walking distance you will find ethnic markets, restaurants, and community centers. The vibrant international community includes groups like: Chinese Community Center, Turkish Cultural Center, Indian culture groups, Pakistan Association, Vietnamese Community, and more.

Educational Philosophy

The website mentions that Saint Rose emphasizes liberal arts. What is a Liberal Arts education?“Liberal Arts” and “liberal education” are terms used interchangeably to describe the broad range of subjects – arts, humanities, sciences, and mathematics. At Saint Rose, students take courses is all of these areas, in addition to their rigorous major requirements. Through liberal arts studies, students master different ways of thinking as they participate in problem-based inquiry. Liberal Education courses emphasize key skills, such as writing, critical thinking and information literacy. The value of a Liberal Arts education is now recognized on a global level, as it empowers students to be creative innovative problem-solvers through shared analysis of diverse points of view.

Is a College the same as a University?In the United States, colleges and universities both provide outstanding educational opportunities. Typically, colleges focus on teaching, and offer bachelors and masters degrees. Universities are generally larger, research-oriented, and offer doctoral degrees in addition to bachelors and masters. The College of Saint Rose has a special place in academia because it offers the resources of a university, but focuses attention on each individual student and his or her needs.What are the benefits of attending The College of Saint Rose?At Saint Rose, small class sizes facilitate lasting, supportive relationships between professors and students. Students meet directly with professors to get help with assignments, or to discuss class material and future plans. At Saint Rose, students are the number one focus, and professors are dedicated to their success. Faculty-student mentoring relationships lead to many educational opportunities, including undergraduate research, internships, employment and graduate school. The Saint Rose community has a strong global network of professionals eager to reach out to current students and alumni.

The Application Process

Do I have to take any standardized tests?Yes. International students must take either the TOEFL or the IELTS to demonstrate English proficiency. You must also take the SAT if you would like to be considered for scholarships. Visit the academic scholarship page for more information.What should be included in my letter of recommendation?Your recommendation letter should help us get to know you, so it should come from someone who knows what personal and academic qualities you have that make you a good candidate for Saint Rose. Overall, the letter should to be truthful and positive.A letter of recommendation typically includes:

•How the recommender knows you.•Information and examples of your work ethic, academic skills, and intellectual promise.•Information about your involvement in the community or other activities, such as art, sports, clubs, etc.•Why you are a good candidate for Saint Rose.

Are there scholarships available for international students?Yes. International Students are eligible for merit based scholarships based on GPA and SAT or ACT scores for incoming freshmen or based on the overall college GPA for transfer applicants. Click here to view our merit based scholarships.How do I meet the English proficiency requirements?To meet the requirement, you must achieve a minimum test score of 80 on iBT TOEFL, or an overall band score of at least 5.5 on the IELTS. However, if your TOEFL or IELTS score is below the minimum required score, you are still encouraged to apply for admission.What if my TOEFL score is below 80? Is there any chance I can get in?Yes. If your TOEFL score is below 80, but above 70, you may be still be accepted at The College of Saint Rose by attending the International Student Summer Transition Program. This is a six-week intensive English communication program that will help build your academic English skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing within the context of a liberal arts curriculum. During the six-week program you will live within an international community, take intensive communication classes, and participate in activities that will help you be a successful student at The College of Saint Rose, as well as adjust to living in The Capital District. Please visit the International Student Summer Transition Program webpage for more information.

Visa Issues

How do I apply if I am a United States Permanent Resident?When you fill out the application, make sure to answer “no” to the U.S. citizenship question, and “yes” to the Permanent Resident question that follows. Also, submit a copy of your Permanent Resident card (“green card”) with your application documents.What documents needs to be submitted to get my I-20?You must provide documentation of your ability to meet your expenses for one year of undergraduate study. Currently that amount is $

How long does it take to get an I-20?As soon as you have accepted admission to the College of Saint Rose, we will begin working with you on obtaining your I-20. It can be provided in as little as one week from the time of admission.

What resources are available for international students? The Center for International Programs helps international students with visa issues, and organizes social events throughout the year. Please visit the website for more information.

Academic Support Services is an area of the college dedicated to helping students succeed by providing academic and personal support. Services include tutoring in the sciences, math, business, and foreign language, and writing. The small friendly campus environment allows students to access many resources whenever they need them. Please visit the Academic Support Center website for more information.